PSL 11: Islamabad United announce Mike Hesson's replacement as head coach
ISLAMABAD: Former New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Luke Ronchi has been appointed head coach of three-time champions Islamabad United ahead of the historic 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which begins on March 26.The announcement was made on the franchise's social media handle, with the caption: "Ronchi is back home, this time leading the transformation as Head Coach for PSL 11."In a statement released by the franchise, United’s newly appointed head coach expressed his deep emotional connection with the team, describing the franchise as a place that has always felt like home to him."Islamabad United has always felt like home to me. The bond I share with this team, the owners, the fans, and the entire ISLU family is something genuinely special. I've always carried that connection with pride," Ronchi said."To return now as Head Coach is a huge honour. Islamabad United stands for fearless cricket, character, and a winning mindset. I'm excited to carry that legacy forward and help develop the next group of leaders and match-winners for this great team," he added.It is pertinent to mention that Mike Hesson, who is also the current white-ball head coach of the Pakistan team, was named head coach of the United franchise in the eighth edition of the tournament and under him, the team successfully clinched their third title by beating Multan Sultans in 2024.Meanwhile, Ronchi is not a new face in the PSL, having represented Islamabad United as a player in three seasons from 2018 to 2020.The 44-year-old featured in 31 PSL matches, scoring 1,020 runs at an impressive strike rate of 166.12, including 10 half-centuries.For the unversed, the historic 11th edition of the PSL will see the league expand to eight teams, with Hyderabad and Sialkot joining as new franchises.For the first time, the league will conduct a player auction, replacing the traditional players' draft, scheduled for February 11.
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